How Do Our Classes Work?
Our classes are based on a levels program (beginning to advanced) and students are sometimes grouped as well, while working on horses. In order to receive the best possible education, we have small class sizes providing for almost a 1 on 2 instruction.
Classes run in one week increments held on Ranches and Ranch Resorts as well, on both the East and West coasts. Additional locations and class sessions are scheduled to be added as our number of students increase, to provide the same small teacher student ratio we believe necessary for excellence in instruction. Certified Instructors who are the pioneers in the field teach our classes based on our state of the art techniques.
Our classes are held in one week increments, because we understand that our students have busy lives outside of class. Instead of the more traditional six week or longer sessions, that many schools have, we offer our students week long intensive study four times a year. This allows students to choose the location and time to attend that suits their schedule best. After each week is completed students must complete another 50 hours study at home.
Unlike your average school, where you attend class and then go home, at our learning centers you are together (students & teachers) 24/7 - eating meals, having meetings, and even playing together. This facilitates as much "question & answer" time as you, the student, need to get the most out of the time dedicated to learn with us. Discussions, meetings, and demos are held in the evenings. Ninety percent of the learning experience we offer is hands-on.
Students are provided with a Reading/Reference list of topics and books to study at home as an integral part of the education process prior to attending class. These texts will provide the foundational terminology and anatomy that will be focused on during the course. We believe it is easier for students to study terminology at home instead of paying for to study the same thing at school.
Practical exams are given and a levels program is used to determine excellence. We also have a specialized curriculum and offer certification.
Levels
Level 1 - is the orientation process in which the student learns to recognize pathology in the Equine mouth and be able to balance the mouth (incisors first to the back of the mouth in theory.)
* Prior to Level 1, the student should study and become familiar with terminology.
Level 2 - Beginning to be able to back up theory by doing physical changes.
Level 3 - is to become more capable of actually being able to balance a whole mouth (Wolf Teeth and Cap Extractions understood in theory.)
Level 4 - is to physically be able to balance and refine details.
Level 5 - students should be able to address asymmetries of head and body, and balance the mouth anatomically fitting to the whole. Student should show ability to extract wolf teeth and caps. Once level 5 is achieved you must assistant instruct one time prior to level 6, non-paid and no charge for class.
* Level 6 - we feel students should be ready to certify if they have that desire. We would require two months notification if they do wish to certify. However, we acknowledge that some students may want to come as many times as they like for continuing education only, with no desire for certification. Certification at Level 6 is a practical exam over the course of the five days of Level 6.
** A one day Head and Neck Anatomy course is required for full certification.
*** All Levels are based on a passing assessment of each Level by full board review of individual student.
** After Certification continuing education is required every two years to maintain certification at ½ tuition rate.
Certified students are encouraged to join the Star Program. There will be Level 1-5 Star Advanced Certification Programs.
STAR PROGRAM 2008
You are welcome to assistant instruct as many times as you like, but the minimums for each Star Level must be met.
Star 1 - You must attend as an assistant instructor (this is a non-paid position, but no charge for class) five times and begin work on your thesis proposal, during the Star 1 program. Your thesis must be approved by Spencer before proceeding to Star 2. The thesis proposal must be in writing showing an in depth explanation of the area you will explore in your thesis, and submitted to Spencer for approval. (This should be 1.5 - 2 pages.)
Star 2 - In order to start star 2 you must have thesis proposal approval. You should be performing an independent study pertaining to your thesis. A log or journal should be kept of your research. Also you should attend as an assistant instructor once during you Star 2. A rough draft of your thesis must be submitted and approved to complete Star 2.
Star 3 - The beginning portion of Star 3 is the submission of the thesis’ final copy for approval. The final submission must be one printed copy and one Word Pad file. You must also assistant instruct one time. The final portion of Star 3 is a presentation of your thesis at school, with a question and answer period at the end. You will be responsible for all props, fliers, etc used during your presentation. After completion of Star 3 you will then be added to the paid instructor pool.
Star 4 & Star 5- in development stage
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